HISD bond among Houstonians' biggest decisions

One of, if not the, biggest ballot initiatives this election is the Houston ISD bond issue. It's nearly $2 billion.

Here's how the HISD bond would break down, if approved:

The bond is $1.89 billion and would provide upgrades to 38 schools in the district.

It includes 20 new campuses for aging high schools like Madison, Bellaire, Lamar and Yates. It would also build three new elementary school campuses.

The bond also calls for $100 million in technical improvements across the district.

If the bond is approved, voters would see a $.0485 tax hike by 2017. That equates to about $70 a year for the average taxpayer.

The district says design work on the new schools would begin in early 2013 and construction would start in 2014.

The proposal details are outline below (info from HISD):

Provide new campuses for 20 high schools: Austin Bellaire Davis DeBakey Eastwood Furr High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Jordan Lamar Lee Madison Milby North Early College Sam Houston Sharpstown South Early College Sterling Washington Worthing Yates

Partially replace four high schools: Waltrip Young Men's College Prep Academy Westbury Young Women's College Prep Academy

Renovate four high schools: Jones Kashmere Scarborough Sharpstown International

Build three new elementary school campuses: Askew Parker Relief school on the west side

Replace/complete two new middle school campuses: Grady (new addition to complete new campus) Dowling (new campus)

In addition, the proposed measure would include funds that would improve conditions for students in all HISD schools. Those proposals include: $100 million for district-wide technology improvements $42.7 million to replace regional field houses and improve athletic facilities $35 million to renovate middle school restrooms $17.3 million for district-wide safety and security improvements

See the full details of HISD's bond proposal on their website, HoustonISD.org.